Tue 24 Oct 2006
My friend Cindy had a lovely article published in the Orthodox Union magazine, about the unexpected spiritual journey that led her to create a Kosher home. I highly recommend the article! Cindy is a wonderful writer.
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Noah was bitten again today at school. This time, it appears that he started it by pulling someone’s hair. We have to figure out how to teach him gentleness, more effectively than we’ve done so far.
We have an appointment to look at another day care center tomorrow.
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We’re looking at alternative ways to babyproof our house. Putting all the stuff we don’t want Noah to reach is unrealistic.
We’re talking about investing in one of those segmented plastic play yards that you assemble around your living room or whatever.
Do any of you have any experience or opinions about these?
This kind is middle-expensive, but a friend of mine has an hilarious picture of his toddler daughter demonstrating that the little holes are perfect toe-holds. I don’t see how it’s different from this slightly less-expensive one.
By contrast, this one looks safer, but is it sufficiently “more safer” to justify the 40% price increase? (Comparing like sizes.)
PLLP, 10/24: Fruit - organic gala apple, Veg - 1/2 avocado & 1/2 cup veg leftovers from last night, Treats - donut, Exercise - none.
October 24th, 2006 at 10:05 pm
Maybe this will help with the hair pulling…
http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/toddler/toddlerbehavior/11553.html
October 24th, 2006 at 10:21 pm
We used the less-expensive Superyard, and it worked fine until our son decided he would only stay in it as long as one of us was with him, too. (I think that was around 18 months.) That’s actually not so bad if you just want a place to play without worrying about Noah grabbing something he shouldn’t.
Our son never tried the toehold thing, though I can see where some kids would. We fastened a few toys to the sides (the kind made with straps for fastening onto cribs), and he seemed to like that.
I imagine they’d be good for keeping new puppies contained until they’re housebroken, too–so even after your son has outgrown it, it may be a worthwhile investment (if you’re a dog person).
October 24th, 2006 at 10:39 pm
Thoughts:
a) They’d all be so much nicer in wood.
b) I bet you can find one used.
October 25th, 2006 at 8:49 am
Sean, thanks for the article. I think the first point about getting a reaction is spot on!
Reno, I\’ve been looking used/freecycled for 3 or 4 months.
Ebay saves you some, but not a whole lot.
They would be lovely in wood, but I suspect they would also be 3x more expensive, plus heavier to ship.
October 25th, 2006 at 9:04 am
Ok, you don’t ever have to tell Noah this… but look at this;
http://www.drsfostersmith.com/Product/Prod_Display.cfm?pcatid=544&Ntt=dog%20pen&Ntk=All&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Np=1&N=2001&Nty=1
Does it look familiar?
October 25th, 2006 at 9:33 am
Enjoyed the article, muchly. Sometimes, I feel the only thing keeping me from a frum lifestyle is the whole gay thing, which saddens me, tremendously.
October 25th, 2006 at 10:07 am
OMG, Anna, that’s hilarious!
October 25th, 2006 at 11:33 am
We got the superyard and found it wonderfully adaptive. First we used it to pen Julia in and keep the dogs away from her toys, then we used it to block off the dogs from getting into the living room while she had free roam. Now we’ve used it to block off our bookcases from hands that just want to toss things off shelves. You can see the superyard in action in its latest incarnation here
by that respect, I wouldn’t buy the more expensive one that you listed last, because it looks like it can only be set up in that one shape — and that’s not going to last you very much longer as Noah gets more mobile and less amenable to penning.
October 25th, 2006 at 2:35 pm
Dog crate, baby crate….whatever.
I’ve actually found if the same product can be used for a baby or a pet, the pet version is always more expensive. Stevie has lots of “baby things”
October 25th, 2006 at 8:30 pm
Have you checked out craigslist? (You are near Atlanta? I thought I’d read it somewhere?)
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/bab/224857686.html
The Superyard XT creates a safe, enclosed play area for children or pets. It encloses 18.5 sq. feet, and is 26″ high. We’ve added two extensions so you easily have 50 sq. feet of space. Easily open any of the panels, by sliding and lifting the interlocking latch, for access to the inside. Superyard XT also folds up for easy storage and transport. We paid $180.00 plus for this gate but will sell for $80.00. Again a $100.00 savings!
October 25th, 2006 at 8:53 pm
Does the one Anna suggested come with the pictured inhabitants? That might actually induce Noah to stay in the corral for longer than 3 minutes after you or Jill get out.
Seriously, you are only buying a minimal amount of time before he is able to exit. At the rate he is growing, I’m guessing he will be able to lift it from the bottom and crawl/run out in about three months, max.
No choice; the CD’s and electronics etc are just going to have to be locked away. Happy packing.
Love, Mom
October 26th, 2006 at 10:07 am
what’s “the gay thing”? are orthodox jews opposed to homosexuals?